Man-cave heaven for reluctant shoppers

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Man-cave heaven for reluctant shoppers

It's a familiar sight in shopping malls everywhere - weary-looking men dutifully following their wives from store to store. But China may have the solution: so-called "husband rest booths."While their partners shop, users can retire to the glass-encased kiosks, which contain a comfortable massage chair and an elevated screen for playing computer games or watching television.Its makers say the fut...

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It's a familiar sight in shopping malls everywhere - weary-looking men dutifully following their wives from store to store. But China may have the solution: so-called "husband rest booths."

While their partners shop, users can retire to the glass-encased kiosks, which contain a comfortable massage chair and an elevated screen for playing computer games or watching television.

Its makers say the futuristic mini "man caves" are a first in China and they have installed four in a high-end mall in Shanghai at a cost of 40,000 yuan (HK$46,124) each.

These man caves are located inside Global Harbor mall as part of an innovative one-month trial.

You can reserve the pod in advance via a mobile phone app, and it costs nothing to use at the moment. In English, each has the words: "Private Lounge. Waiting for you in the bar."

Owen Wei, project manager at makers Ingrem, said if the first batch proves popular they will roll out more at malls in the city.

"Some men don't like to go shopping or stay with their wives, and prefer to play games or watch television," he told AFP.

Not everyone is a fan, however. On one recent day most of those visiting the pods were teenagers, members of the media and curious onlookers.

Malls in Hong Kong said they have no plans to introduce similar facilities at the moment, adding that there are common areas and chairs for tired husbands or boyfriends in shopping centers.